The Boons Of Battery-Powered Rickshaws

Emission improvement. This is Mahindra's, India’s number one utility vehicle producer, plan recently. Mahindra officials must have learned to use their mind’s vent visor that made them realize the pollution brought by vehicle emissions. Sometimes, it only takes awareness. Yes, an awareness that every entrepreneur, not only automakers, have shields to guard them from the lust for power and profit-making -- that is, conscience.

In Reuters last month, the company announced that it will be investing $24.5 million or one billion rupees to execute its plan.

According to Mahindra authorities, this is part of the company’s shared advocacy for eco-friendly vehicles production. Along with fuel-efficient Scorpio and Bolero, Mahindra will also launch a three-wheeled rickshaw that runs on battery.

However, as of press time, Mahindra has not released any specific details about when and how this plan will be accomplished.

In a research, it was revealed that one of the major causes of pollution in developing countries like India are transport vehicles particularly autorickshaws that run on petrol. As a solution, Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) developed three new rickshaw types. That includes an improved pedal cycle rickshaw (IMPRA), a motor assisted pedal rickshaw (MAPRA) and lastly, an entirely battery driven rickshaw known as ELECSHA. These rickshaws were claimed to be environment-friendly, fuel-efficient and, most importantly, cost-effective.

Aside from the fact that electric rickshaws lessen air pollutants, they are also commended for reducing the rates of noise pollution in urban and rural areas. These qualities make them such excellent alternatives for motor-powered autorickshaws. In additon to environmental benefits, the masses can also take advantage of employments that the production of these autorickshaws can provide.

At present, there are about 700,000 rickshaw pullers in the Indian roads.